Cost-Benefit Analysis of Far-UVC Lamps for Reducing Indoor Infection Transmission in Switzerland and Germany: Insights from the CERN Airborne Model for Indoor Risk Assessment (CAiMIRA)

Far-UVC light (wavelengths 207-230 nm) can be used directly overhead, whilst having germicidal capabilities to improve indoor air quality. This study evaluates the cost-benefit of implementing far-UVC devices in various settings in Switzerland and Germany. We used the CERN Airborne Model for Indoor Risk Assessment (CAiMIRA) to model infection risk reduction in restaurants, offices, and waiting rooms, considering factors like room size, occupancy, and ventilation rates. Three scenarios were analysed: a normal winter (22 weeks), a COVID-19-like pandemic (4-week wave), and a severe pandemic (8-week wave). Avoided infections were translated into healthcare, economic and avoided quality-adjusted life years (QALY) metrics. Costs included purchasing, installing, maintaining, and operating UV-C lamps. In Switzerland, cost-benefit ratios ranged from one franc to: 30-290 CHF during a normal winter; 65-430 CHF during a COVID-like pandemic; and 2,300-20,500 CHF during a severe pandemic. In Germany, cost benefit ratios ranged from 1 euro to: 7-226 EUR during a normal winter; 118-449 EUR during a COVID-like pandemic; and 659-18,946 EUR during a severe pandemic. Far-UVC lamps are a highly cost-effective solution for societies during normal winter and pandemic scenarios. Implementation in the settings studied should be considered as a safe and effective measure for infectious disease control.